"I've been out of practice for six years. I don't know how to get back in"

Dear Rusty,

Start by contacting your regulator about renewing your practising certificate. The conditions they set may shape which roles you can take, so you need that answer before anything else.

I'd be looking for a role where you can rebuild your confidence with someone available to review your work and answer questions. That matters more than getting back to your previous title as quickly as possible. You don't need to pretend you can walk straight into a demanding file load without support.

Once you have an area in mind, make your updating manageable. Start with the major changes in that area, current procedure and some targeted CPD. Trying to catch up on six years of "the law" before applying for anything will leave you feeling you can never be ready.

I'd also start talking to people before relying entirely on advertisements: former colleagues, someone you briefed, a local practitioner you know. A simple message is enough: "I'm planning to return to practice after time at home with the children. I'm looking for a role in X, ideally with Y hours and some support while I get back up to speed. Could we have a coffee?"

Some people won't have anything for you. Some won't reply. That's disappointing, but it isn't an assessment of whether you can still be a good lawyer.

As for interviews, you're allowed to be nervous. Practise with someone who'll give you useful feedback. Have a straightforward explanation ready: you took time out to raise your children, you're ready to return, and these are the steps you're taking. You don't owe anyone an apology for the gap.

"Recent experience" may be a real barrier for some jobs. But an advertisement isn't a verdict on every role you might be suitable for, and your earlier experience hasn't ceased to exist. Don't underplay the experience you have in other critical areas. Client relationships are as important as knowledge of the law. One can be trained; the other takes years of practice to master. So don't sell yourself short based on legal knowledge alone.

Also consider that the law is always changing, whether you've had time out of the workforce or not. Employment law, for example, can change with every change of government, so employment lawyers constantly need to update their knowledge, sometimes relearning how the whole system operates.

For this week, I'd give yourself two jobs: make the practising certificate enquiry and contact one person you used to work with. You can work out the next step once you have those answers.

Louise

If you need advice about your own situation, including your practising certificate, contact your regulator or speak to a qualified practitioner.